Ireland coach Kidney rings changes for France game

Ireland have made nine changes for tomorrow's clash with France in Bordeaux as Declan Kidney juggles his playing resources ahead of the World Cup.

Fly-half Ronan O'Gara replaces Jonathan Sexton, who started last weekend's 10-6 defeat by Scotland, with Eoin Reddan joining him at half-back. The back three remains intact, allowing Rob Kearney another chance to boost his fitness following his return from a knee injury.

Keith Earls is given a chance at outside centre with the Munster three-quarter displacing Fergus McFadden on to the bench. Paddy Wallace continues at inside centre.

A strong pack features five players likely to start the World Cup opener against the USA on 11 September. The first choice front row of Cian Healy, Rory Best and Mike Ross has been selected en masse. Only Best has a doubt over his position in the pecking order with rival hooker Jerry Flannery, returning from calf injuries, included on the bench once more. Leo Cullen leads the team for a second time and is joined at lock by Donncha O'Callaghan with the bulldozing Sean O'Brien named at openside.

Having played in the second row against Scotland, Donnacha Ryan is given the chance to underline his versatility by starting at blindside flanker.

Two big names have been included on the bench in the shape of Paul O'Connell and Jamie Heaslip.

IRELAND TEAM (to play France at Chaban-Delmas, Bordeaux, tomorrow, 7.45pm): R Kearney (Leinster); A Trimble (Ulster), K Earls (Munster) P Wallace (Ulster), L Fitzgerald (Leinster); R O'Gara (Munster), E Reddan (Leinster); C Healy (Leinster), R Best (Ulster), M Ross (Leinster), D O'Callaghan (Munster), L Cullen (Leinster, capt), D Ryan (Munster), S O'Brien (Leinster), D Leamy (Munster).

Replacements: J Flannery (Munster), T Buckley (Sale), P O'Connell (Munster), J Heaslip (Leinster), C Murray (Munster), F McFadden (Leinster), F Jones (Munster).